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Alina (second from right) at an Open Circle event
by Alina Saad, Open Circle student
To me, Open Circle is a beautiful forest of mutual and personal growth. In a forest, many trees have connected roots with one another. As each tree grows, it sends nutrients to other trees through its roots, so that they all stay healthy and grow strong together. Just like the connected roots of trees in a forest, the Open Circle community fosters deep human connection among students. At Open Circle, everyone is on a journey of growth, while also striving to support others. We all have each other’s backs, and want the best for each other, genuinely wanting to see everyone succeed. It often feels like a family 😊, where we all support one another on our journeys, and foster each other’s development. By having these connections, the Open Circle community grows strong together!
The Open Circle community also reminds me of a forest because of its diversity. At Open Circle, students are from all kinds of backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, and perspectives. This adds so much richness and beauty to our community, allowing us to learn from one another and gain insight into many different experiences. Similarly, a forest is home to many kinds of plants and beings, such as trees, flowers, animals, and more. It’s beautiful to see such diversity of living beings supporting each other in a forest ecosystem, just like how the diverse members of Open Circle contribute to the richness and beauty of this community.
Finally, the Open Circle community is like a forest because it helps us to be our true selves. In a forest, every type of being just lives as it is meant to be, without feeling pressured to act or grow like the other beings around it. As Zen Shin once said, “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms”. Similarly, at Open Circle, we allow space for everyone to nurture their authentic selves. While we each embark on our journeys of growth, we do not expect our growth to look the same, as we understand that our journeys are different. Like the flowers of the forest that bloom and stand tall, each of us strive to grow into the person that we are meant to be, and to be grateful for this growth in whatever form it takes. Far too often, society puts pressure on us to be a certain way, to conform to a certain mold. However, like the flowers of a forest that bloom without comparing their growth to others, Open Circle gives us confidence to live as our true selves, without feeling pressured to follow the same path as others.
My experiences at Open Circle have made a transformative impact on my life journey. Open Circle has fueled so much personal growth and development in my life, while allowing me to support and be supported by others in this vibrant community. I am so grateful to be part of this incredible forest of a community! 🌳
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Our Planting with Purpose event where we planted native food species for an Indigenous Teaching Garden
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Next Stories
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Outside my Comfort Zone but Not Alone
